SPACmanual PDF

Operating Instructions
BKtel 1570BB
CATV Distribution System

System Performance Analysis
for
CATV Systems
SPAC Release 2.7
Copyright BKtel systems, 2004 - All rights reserved
SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 - May 2004

Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4
1.1 This Manual............................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Important Advice for Using SPAC .......................................................................... 5
1.2.1 .... Features ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2.2 .... Information Required for Calculation .................................................................................... 6
1.2.3 .... New features ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.4 .... Interdependencies Registered by SPAC .............................................................................. 8
1.2.5 .... Calculation Accuracy for C/N and CSO/CTB Figures ......................................................... 10
1.2.6 .... BER Calculation .................................................................................................................. 11
1.2.7 .... Unmodulated and Modulated AMTV Carriers ................................................................... 11
1.2.8 .... Libraries .............................................................................................................................. 12
1.2.9 .... Essential Use of a Load Controlled Amplifier (LCA) ........................................................... 12
1.2.10 .. Definition of the Modulation Index....................................................................................... 12
1.2.11 .. Balance Between Optimum C/N and CSO/CTB ................................................................. 15
1.2.12 .. Links with Line Extenders ................................................................................................... 15
1.2.13 .. Links with Optical Amplifiers ............................................................................................... 16
1.2.14 .. Transmitter Output Levels................................................................................................... 17
1.2.15 .. Receiver Input Level ........................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Requirements ....................................................................................................... 17
2 Installation .......................................................................................................... 18
2.1 SPAC.................................................................................................................... 18
2.2 Dongle .................................................................................................................. 19
2.2.1 .... Installation of Dongle........................................................................................................... 19
2.2.2 .... Connection of the dongle: ................................................................................................... 20
3 Operation ............................................................................................................ 21
3.1 Getting Started ..................................................................................................... 21
3.2 New Schematic .................................................................................................... 26
3.3 Existing Schematic ............................................................................................... 27
4 Main Window of SPAC ....................................................................................... 28
4.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 28
4.2 Tool Bar................................................................................................................ 29
4.3 Menu Bar.............................................................................................................. 31
4.3.1 .... File....................................................................................................................................... 31
4.3.2 .... Channels ............................................................................................................................. 32
4.3.3 .... Edit ...................................................................................................................................... 33
4.3.4 .... Add ...................................................................................................................................... 35
4.3.5 .... Calculate! ............................................................................................................................ 36
4.3.6 .... Window................................................................................................................................ 36
4.3.7 .... Info ...................................................................................................................................... 37
4.3.8 .... Options ................................................................................................................................ 37
4.3.9 .... IM Simulator ........................................................................................................................ 37
4.3.10 .. SPQA! ................................................................................................................................. 38
4.4 Status Bar............................................................................................................. 39
5 Edit Module Dialog Boxes ................................................................................. 40
5.1 Source .................................................................................................................. 40
5.2 Amplifier ............................................................................................................... 42
5.3 Load Controlled Amplifier (LCA)........................................................................... 44
5.4 Optical Transmitter (OTX) .................................................................................... 46
5.5 Optical Amplifier ................................................................................................... 48
SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 2

5.6 Optical loss........................................................................................................... 50
5.7 Coaxial Loss......................................................................................................... 52
5.8 Optical Receiver (ORX) ........................................................................................ 53
5.9 Module.................................................................................................................. 56
5.10 Optical Insertion ................................................................................................. 58
5.11 Coaxial Combiner............................................................................................... 60
5.12 Return Channel Noise........................................................................................ 62
5.13 Module list .......................................................................................................... 64
6 Procedures.......................................................................................................... 66
6.1 Working with Libraries .......................................................................................... 66
6.2 Modifying Modules ............................................................................................... 66
6.3 Creating User Libraries......................................................................................... 67
6.4 Edit Channel Table............................................................................................... 67
6.5 Channel List File................................................................................................... 70
7 IM Simulator........................................................................................................ 73
7.1 Using the IM Simulator ......................................................................................... 73
7.2 IM Calculating Options ......................................................................................... 75
7.3 Calculation Test.................................................................................................... 76
7.4 IM Print Options.................................................................................................... 77
8 Menu Control in IM Simulator............................................................................ 78
8.1 x Scaling............................................................................................................... 78
8.2 y Scaling............................................................................................................... 78
8.3 Display.................................................................................................................. 78
8.4 Calculate .............................................................................................................. 79
8.5 Test ...................................................................................................................... 79
8.6 Print ...................................................................................................................... 79
9 Console for Monitoring ...................................................................................... 79
9.1 Clear..................................................................................................................... 80
9.2 Buffer.................................................................................................................... 80
9.3 Position................................................................................................................. 80
10 Appendix ............................................................................................................. 81
10.1 Create a Sample Schematic............................................................................... 81
10.2 Warnings and Error Messages........................................................................... 86
10.3 List of Abbreviations........................................................................................... 90

1 Introduction
1.1 This Manual
This instruction manual has been conceived for planning staff who
are familiar with hybrid (optical and coaxial) CATV (Community
Antenna for Television) systems.
Chapter 1 provides an introduction and important advice for using

SPAC.
Chapter 2 describes the installation of the software SPAC (System

Performance Analysis for CATV Systems).
Chapter 3 describes how to start a new schematic and an existing

one.
Chapter 4 describes the menu bar, tool bar and status bar of the
SPAC main window.
Chapter 5 describes the dialog boxes for editing the modules.
Chapter 6 describes some SPAC procedures.
Chapter 7 describes the IM (Intermodulation) simulator.
Chapter 8 describes the menus of the IM simulator.
Chapter 9 describes the console for monitoring at a specified

frequency.
Chapter 10 is the Appendix and describes a sample schematic.

1.2 Important Advice for Using SPAC
1.2.1 Features
SPAC is a PCbased simulation tool for evaluating the

performance of CATV distribution networks. The program enables
calculation of the main system parameters carriertonoiseratio
(C/N), the intermodulation products compositesecondorder
(CSO) and compositetriplebeat (CTB), as well as the Bit Error
Rate (BER) and Modulation Error Ratio (MER). These parameters
determine the quality of
- coaxial
- optical (1310/1550 nm)
- mixed (coaxial/optical)
analog CATV transmission systems and their return channels.

The input required for simulation of a system is carried out
schematically. The schematic modules are entered as simulation
models from a library, while the CATV source and links (optical or
electrical) are specified by the user. SPAC indicates the system
parameters in two ways:
- In normal calculation mode, they are specified for the individual
blocks of the chain at their outputs.
- Alternatively, the contribution for the individual blocks of the
chain can be observed.
The SPQA tool is used for the subjective assessment of picture

quality.

1.2.2 Information Required for Calculation
Basically, SPAC has been designed for calculation of the

downstream system performance of the 1570BB system. Since
analog AM-TV was the main service, the most important system
performance parameters were C/N, CSO and CTB. The increasing
demand of calculating the performance of new digital services
(such as 64 QAM for downstream digital TV) and various services
for the upstream channel (such as polled set top boxes, cable
phone and cable modem), made it necessary to develop additional
features for the SPAC. For this reason, the SPAC calculates the
BER and MER for digital services. The definition of the service
type for a specific channel is carried out in the channel list file (e.g.
cenelec.lst, upstrm16.lst, ...). The service type must be selected
for each simulation in order to enable the SPAC to perform the
calculation of the correct system performance parameters (e.g.
BER for QAM channels, but not for analog AM-TV and FM
channels).
All schematic modules in the 1570 BB system are stored with their
main block parameters (gain, noise figures etc.) in the SPAC
libraries. The downstream modules are stored in the 1570_un.dll
library, the upstream modules in the upstream.dll library.
In order to calculate the carriertonoise (C/N), the

electrical/optical input levels of the different blocks have to be
defined by linking the blocks with electrical/optical attenuations.
The C/N is calculated in the high frequency (RF) domain. It is

normally expressed to a 5 MHz noise equivalent bandwidth; the
figure, however, can be modified (e.g. to 1 Hz to establish a
comparitive figure to the actual service bandwidth, independent of
the channel bandwidth).
The second and third order nonlinearity determines the entire

transmission path quality in terms of nonlinear distortions, as long
as the optical transmitters are not overloaded (overmodulated). It
is therefore sufficient to calculate the CSO and CTB contribution
per transmission path block. Apart from the 1310/1550 nm
transmitters, all blocks (electrical/optical amplifiers and optical
receivers) operate well below their saturation point as long as
suitable output levels are used (default values of the blocks in the
libraries).
To carry out the CSO/CTB calculations, the channel allocation

must be selected first because the nonlinearity of the blocks, and

thus for the complete transmission system, is a function of the
number of transmitted (TV) channels, their frequency range and
their spacing. The SPAC calculates the number of intermodulation
beats per frequency cycle as a function of the channel allocation in
the first run.
During the second run, the number of intermodulation beats is

combined with the individual block nonlinearity (per IM beats).
The total nonlinearity per block is calculated in accordance with
the specially defined channel allocation. After this is completed,
the result is added to that of the block before the complete
transmission path chain is calculated.
1.2.3 New features
SPAC 2.7 adds several new features to the release SPAC 2.6:
Support of QAM128, QAM32 and QAM8 upstream services.
Support of the new OTXD module with additional features:

adjustable output power and Fiber Length Compensation.
Support of the new OAH module with additional feature:

adjustable output power.
Finetuned calculation of fiber effects in operation with OTX.

1.2.4 Interdependencies Registered by SPAC
1.2.4.1 Optical Transmitters
The SPAC knows the amount of CSO/CTB to be created in optical

transmitters for an optimum channel modulation index when the
channel allocation is defined. The SPAC normally accomplishes
this automatically. The SPAC sets the channel modulation index to
a value where the clipping influence on the CATV signals can be
neglected (about 44% related to modulated carriers and 26% to
unmodulated carriers). The total modulation index is determined
by SPAC multiplying the channel modulation index by the square
root of the effective channel load. Afterwards, SPAC calculates the
C/N of the transmitter (it is mainly a function of the channel
modulation index and the transmitter RIN). The SPAC handles
transmitter clipping effects.
1.2.4.2 Optical Amplifiers
Optical amplifiers have a negligible CSO/CTB contribution. In spite

of this, SPAC adds the CSO/CTB of optical amplifiers to the
CSO/CTB of the transmission chain. The noise figure of the optical
amplifier is a function of the input level. This interdependency is
stored in the libraries for the different optical amplifiers. The C/N
contribution can be calculated when the input light level is stated.

1.2.4.3 Fiber
Fiber effects arising in long optical feeders, such as fiber intensity

noise resulting from to Rayleigh BackScattering (RBS) or PM/AM
conversion caused by fiber chromatic dispersion, SBS (Stimulated
Brillouin Scattering), and SPM (SelfPhase Modulation) are partly
considered. The dynamic of RBS and PM/AM induced fiber
intensity noise is taken into account by the SPAC, the SBS
threshold is integrated as a limit value, according to the optical
transmitter and fiber length. The effects caused by SPM are also
included. However, due to the very complex nature of SPM and
CSO compensation effects, a high degree of accuracy is not
always achieved. In practice, the CSO rises very quickly if a
certain fiber length is exceeded. In this case, a difference of only a
few kilometers influences the CSO considerably and sometimes
render the accuracy of the calculation relatively low.
1.2.4.4 Optical Receivers
The CSO/CTB is calculated as a function of the optical input light

and electrical output power. C/N is determined by the light and
RMS noise received (stored in the library). The SPAC can handle
preemphased receiver outputs, too.
1.2.4.5 Coaxial Amplifiers
The SPAC requires the input levels and channel allocations for the
coaxial amplifiers. The C/N can be estimated from the noise
figures already stored and the CSO/CTB is calculated from the
channel allocation and output level. The frequency dependency of
the CSO/CTB of hybrid amplifiers is similar to SPAC. Flat and pre
emphased output levels can be created and are taken into account
when calculating CSO/CTB. The frequency reference point is 862
MHz.
1.2.4.6 General prerequisites
- The output power levels of the optical amplifiers do not exceed

17 dBm.
- BKtel 1570BB default transmitters are used.
- All optical return losses are lower than 50 dB.
- All electrical return losses are lower than 16 dB.

1.2.5 Calculation Accuracy for C/N and CSO/CTB Figures
1.2.5.1 Influence of the Frequency Response on the System Parameters
Apart from the preemphased outputs of the optical receivers and

coaxial amplifiers, SPAC has no information on frequency
responses. Therefore, it assumes an ideal flat frequency response
without any ripples. The C/N, CSO and CTB figures are referred to
nominal (mean) carrier amplitudes.
If a carrier is down (e.g. 1 dB related to the nominal value) all three

transmission parameters are normally reduced by 1 dB and vice
versa. The more electrical interfaces are added to the
transmission chain, the more frequency response is added and the
more the C/N, CSO and CTB figures will differ in the individual
channels compared to the calculated nominal value.
Assuming a rippleless, steadily frequency response, the accuracy

of C/N calculations normally achieve 1 dB and CSO/CTB
calculations 2 dB. The frequency response deviations must be
added to this tolerances (see above). This fact has to be taken into
account when defining a system: Expert customers often require
the guaranteed system parameters for the worst case (minimum
level) carriers.
1.2.5.2 Addition Rules Used for SPAC Simulations
For calculations between the transmission blocks, SPAC uses:

- 10 log for C/N additions,
- 12 log for the CSO addition,
- 15 log for the CTB addition.
The 12 log and 15 log can be changed in Expert Mode.
The phase relationship between the individual transmission blocks

is never constant with regard to the number of blocks and the
individual transmission frequencies. Therefore, the 12 log rule for
CSO and the 15 log rule for CTB are only considered statistical
rules. It was mainly derived from extensive measurements,
particularly of HFC systems.
The individual IM beats within the transmission blocks themselves

cannot be changed. SPAC applies for block internal nonlinearity
calculations:
- 7 log for the CSO addition,

- 8 log for the CTB addition.
1.2.6 BER Calculation
Today, many of the services offered by an HFC platform are

digital. The type of service considered for calculation must be
selected for each simulation. If a digital modulated carrier is
selected, SPAC calculates the BER from the CNR and also a
correction factor, which accounts for some CSO and CTB.
However, the CSO and CTB contribution to the BER has not been
widely verified to date. The contributions of QAM AM-TV and
QAMQAM intermodulation to C/N is not considered.
1.2.7 Unmodulated and Modulated AMTV Carriers
The system parameters CSO/CTB and C/N can be defined to

either unmodulated AM-TV carriers or modulated AM-TV carriers.
In the case of unmodulated carriers, the carrier peak amplitude is
approx. 4.5 dB lower than that of the peak amplitude of the
modulated carriers if an LCA is used and the channel load only
consists of AMTV carriers. (If there are also FM and digital
channels, such as QAM, that have the same signal power at the
system input independent of the modulated or unmodulated AM-
TV carriers, the difference between the AM-TV peak levels
downstream from the LCA are somewhat lower than 4.5 dB since
the summation load difference is lower in this case. The SPAC is
now also capable of taking these effects into account properly).
The intermodulation and noise floor are always measured as

average values. Therefore, when using modulated carriers, the
C/N, CSO and CTB ratios differ about 4.5 dB to the modulated
case. The SPAC calculates the difference between the modulated
and unmodulated channel load in the summation load. It then
readjusts the peak carrier levels of the LCA and the following
modules correspondingly. If a pilot controlled optical receiver or
amplifier is used somewhere in the transmission chain following
the LCA, there is no readjustment of the peak carrier amplitude.
Please note that the CSO and CTB contributions also change for
these modules but there is no change in the C/N contribution if the
modulation of the AM-TV carriers is switched on. The SPAC then
calculates the correct peak output level as well as the correct C/N,
CSO and CTB contributions in all of these cases.

1.2.8 Libraries
The system parameters CSO/CTB and C/N can be defined to

either unmodulated carriers or modulated carriers. In the case of
unmodulated carriers, the carrier amplitude is about 4 ... 5 dB
less than that of the peak amplitude of the modulated carriers. The
intermodulation and noise floor are always measured as average
values. Therefore, when using modulated carriers, the C/N,
CSO/CTB ratios are about 4.5 dB lower than those when using the
modulated case. By applying this rule of thumb, it would not be
necessary to use two libraries. However, the Load Controlled
Amplifier (LCA) changes the system parameters as a result of the
4.5 dB level shift, which is different to a constant gain amplifier.
Also, pilot controlled receivers behave differently at the system
output in comparison to nonpilot controlled receivers. Therefore,
the system parameter calculations between modulated and
unmodulated carriers are more complex and, thus, two individual
libraries are necessary.
1.2.9 Essential Use of a Load Controlled Amplifier (LCA)
NOTICE It is necessary to use a Load Controlled Amplifier (LCA) in front

of most optical transmitter because the transmitter library module
assumes one is present.
If not, the results received are not correct. SPAC warns you if the
transmitter needs an LCA and you have forgotten it.
The LCA permanently keeps the optical transmitter in its optimum

condition in terms of channel modulation index and the number of
channels. The system is modulated as high as possible thus
achieving a high degree of costeffectiveness. The LCA output
level and, thus, the transmitter channel modulation index should
only be corrected by experienced users. If the transmitter
CSO/CTB contribution is too high, it must be reduced. A manual
increase of the channel modulation index should be avoided in all
cases, even by expert users.
1.2.10 Definition of the Modulation Index
The total modulation index is about SQR(N) times the figure of the
channel modulation index. This is valid for both unmodulated and
modulated carriers. However, when using modulated carriers, the
peak amplitude is about 4.5 dB higher in comparison to the mean
value or unmodulated carriers. Therefore, the total modulation
index is also 4.5 dB higher when compared to unmodulated

carriers (44% in the modulated case compared to approx. 26% in
the unmodulated case).
The LCA keeps the total channel load constant. Therefore, in case
of modulated carriers, the peak level of a TV channel is about 4.5
dB higher in comparison to the unmodulated level or the mean
value of the modulated channel. This is valid for all BKtel 1570BB
units which are cascaded following the LCA.
However, a pilot controlled receiver, such as the CRX-LD,

compensates for this effect on the receiver side.
This 4 to 5 dB difference is currently being examined for PAL-B

and SECAM; in the case of PAL-M the difference could be 1 dB
lower. In the case of an OPAL 94 channel allocation with 62
effective PAL-B AM-TV channels, the channel modulation index
would be about 5.5% for modulated carriers and 3.8% for
unmodulated carriers.
It must be taken into account that, in practice, the total modulation

index may not be different for modulated and unmodulated
carriers. The LCA always controls this total channel load to the
same effective power at its output. But, when defining the channel
modulation index to the peak level of the carrier (e.g. the sync.
pulse level in case of PAL-B modulation), the channel modulation
index is 4.5 dB higher in comparison to the unmodulated
sinusoidal carrier. Therefore, if the above mentioned square root
(N) law for the total modulation index should be valid for
modulated and unmodulated carriers, the total modulation index is
also 4.5 dB higher compared to unmodulated carriers when using
modulated carriers.
SPAC users can select between both conditions. They should take
into account that the real TV picture behaves in the same way as
the modulated carrier condition, but unmodulated carrier
conditions are preferred for a lot of CATV system definitions
carried out by customers and CATV specialists for measurement
and definition purposes (e.g. CENELEC).
The influence of the LCA regulation, however, usually requires an

explanation being given to the customer. The planning engineer
must explain what will happen when switching an unmodulated
channel allocation to the modulated condition: The peak amplitude
of the modulated carrier is increased by about 4.5 dB and also,
therefore, the carrier amplitude at the output of the system when it
is not compensated for by the use of a pilot controlled receiver.
The influence of the system parameters C/N, CSO and CTB, when
switching from unmodulated to modulated carriers, can easily be

shown by the planning engineer using SPAC because he can
switch between the two conditions.
The result is that the planned C/N target can only usually be
achieved at an attractive price by using the modulated case. The
intermodulation ratio normally must be defined to the unmodulated
carrier condition (necessitated by a customer requirement). The
system output level is approx. 4.5 dB less in comparison to a
system which is not LCA controlled, thus providing an
improvement in CSO/CTB behavior (valid as long as no pilot
controlled receiver is used). This must normally be explained in
detail and seriously to the customer to convince him that
BKtel 1570BB equipment provides an optimum balance between
advantageous system parameters on the one hand and an
attractive price on the other.
NOTICE The 4.5 dB offset between the unmodulated and the modulated
case is only a rule of thumb. If there are other services, such as
QAM and FM, this offset decreases according to the ratio of
signal power
of the AMTV channels and the other channels.
When the number of channels is increased (usually at a later date

when the system is already sold and in service), the channel
modulation index is reduced corresponding to the SQR(N) law if
the number of channels is higher than 40 and vice versa. Below 40
channels (assuming a nominal input level of 79 dBV) the
maximum gain of the LCA is achieved and the channel modulation
index remains constant. This behavior is fully reflected in the
SPAC tool. The planning engineer must request the maximum
number of TV channels which are planned to be transmitted with
the BKtel 1570BB system in future in order to plan using the
corresponding channel modulation index. Otherwise, the system
parameters cannot be fulfilled when the number of channels is
increased after subsequently being put into service.

1.2.11 Balance Between Optimum C/N and CSO/CTB
The channel modulation index is the common parameter: the

higher it is, the better the C/N and the worse the CSO/CTB for a
specific channel load and receiver output level. Since the optical
amplifiers contribute almost nothing to the CSO/CTB, it is
preferable to define a pointtopoint link with SPAC first of all
using only one EPA, one LCA, one OTX and one optical receiver.
Then define the channel allocation and receiver output level which
needs to be achieved.
NOTICE The output level of the optical receiver is defined at 862 MHz.
By using this quick exercise, it soon becomes apparent if the

default figures in the library will enable the required CSO/CTB
system figures to be achieved. If this is not the case, and neither
the number of TV channels nor the receiver output level can be
reduced, the only possibility is to reduce the OTX channel
modulation index by reducing the LCA output level by using the
SPAC Expert Mode.
This helps to solve the problem if a significant amount of

CSO/CTB (>50 %) is contributed by the optical transmitter. If the
optical receiver contributes the greater share of intermodulation,
the receiver output level for the specific channel load is too high.
When the channel modulation index has been optimized, the

optical amplifier chain can be embedded in the right way in order
to cover the optical budget in conjunction with the required C/N.
1.2.12 Links with Line Extenders
If the link includes Line Extenders, they should be included from

the beginning to determine their contribution in terms of
intermodulation. An attempt should be made to achieve minimum
degradation in intermodulation and C/N contribution through them
by selecting the correct electrical input level and line extender
gain. Generally, this is easier the smaller the gain selected.
However, the smaller the gain, the smaller the coaxial link budget.
Trial and error must be used on the SPAC to find a suitable
compromise.

An optimized cascade of two Line Extenders should not degrade
the CSO/CTB more than 2 or 3 dB in comparison to the figure at
the output of the optical receiver. Their C/N degradation should be
less than 0.5 dB. If the total required CSO/CTB for the complete
link (fiber optic plus line extender cascade) cannot be achieved,
and the Line Extender CSO/CTB degradation is higher than that
mentioned above, do not attempt to correct the fiber optic part by
reducing the channel modulation index of the optical transmitter or
the optical receiver output level.
If the optical receiver CSO/CTB is dominant within the

transmission chain, it is useful to reduce the receiver output level
and increase the gain of the following Line Extender in order to
cover the same coaxial budget.
1.2.13 Links with Optical Amplifiers
It is recommended to retain the minimum input level for the optical

amplifiers, otherwise the simulation is interrupted.
Take the different minimum input levels for the different OAAs into
consideration:
Optical Amplifier Min. input level
Optical Amplifiers of OAAS family: -4 dBm

OAAS815SA (1 output, +16 dBm)
OAAS815DA (2 outputs, +13 dBm)
Optical Amplifiers of new OAH family: -4 dBm

OAHnppd
Optical Amplifiers of OAH family: -2 dBm

OAH0216B (2 outputs, +16 dBm)
OAH0316A (3 outputs, +16 dBm)
OAH0613A (6 outputs, +13 dBm)

1.2.14 Transmitter Output Levels
The directly modulated 1310 nm transmitters provide either +8

dBm or +11 dBm.
The new directly modulated OTX family has adjustable output

levels.
The external modulated transmitter OTXE090 provides 2 outputs,

each with +7 dBm.
1.2.15 Receiver Input Level
Strictly seen, the minimum receiver CW level is a function of the

channel modulation index. In the case of normal channel loads
(higher than 40 AM TV channels), it must be higher than -8 dBm in
order to provide a useful C/N at its output. It should not exceed +2
dBm at the receiver input to prevent receiver overloading (even
when high C/N ratios are required). Also consider the fact that
most receivers have two input dynamic ranges (-7 dBm to +1 dBm
and -4 to +4 dBm, related to m=5%).
Planning should be performed in this way to allow a margin for the

CW regulation range limit of the receivers because there may be
tolerances in the optical pointtomultipoint budgets.
1.3 Requirements
SPAC runs under MSWindows 3.1 or higher. In order to use the

SPQA tool for subjective assessment of picture quality, a VGA
adapter with a color resolution of at least 16,777,216 colors is
necessary (true color resolution 24 or 32 bit) .
The user must be familiar with the basic features of Microsoft

Windows.

2 Installation
2.1 SPAC
This version is equipped with a setup routine. To run the SPAC,

install the program as described below:
1. Run MSWindows 3.1 or higher.
2. Installation of SPAC by CD:

Insert the original SPAC CD. Display the directory \ of
the CD drive with your file manager. Run Setup.EXE
by double clicking the file name in the file manager.
Follow the installation procedure. The default installation
directory is C:\ProgramFiles\BKtel\spac but can be
changed during the installation process.
3. Start SPAC by double clicking on the icon created on

the desktop or by double clicking on SPAC.EXE in the
File Manager/Explorer.

2.2 Dongle
BKtel ships SPAC with two different types of dongles: for parallel
interface or for USB.
2.2.1 Installation of Dongle
Please start the appropriate file to install the dongle driver.

It is located on the SPAC CD in the directory \dongle.
The dongle driver is the same for parallel and for USB dongle.
Drivers:
- hldrv16.exe Driver for Windows 3.1
- hldrv32.exe Driver for Windows 95/98, Win2000, Win ME, Win
NT and Win XP.
NOTICE You need system administrator rights for Win NT and WinXP
Display the directory \dongle of the CD drive with your file

manager. Double click on the appropriate driver file to execute the
dongle driver software installation program given in the Readme
file.
Example: Double click on D:\dongle\hldrv32.exe to start the
Hardlock device driver installation program Hldrv32.exe for
WinXP.

Figure 1 Hardlock Device Driver Installation Program (Example)
To unlock the SPAC applications first install the device driver as

described above before you connect the dongle.
NOTICE It is not necessary to change the SYSTEM.INI. The driver will be

loaded automatically.
2.2.2 Connection of the dongle:
- Connect the dongle to the parallel port or the USB port of the
PC.
- If the dongle is not connected to the PC or the driver is not
installed an error message occurs when starting the SPAC
software.

3 Operation
3.1 Getting Started
Start SPAC by double clicking on SPAC.EXE in the File

Manager, or on the icon in the Program Manager.
The following message appears:
Figure 2 About SPAC
Click on OK and then start your planning session.

The Read Channel List menu opens to select a channel list.

Figure 3 Read Channel List
The following channel lists are available:
Channel List Downstream/ Note

Upstream
BK2000 Downstream Channel allocation of BK Upgrade for KDG Germany
BK256QAM Downstream 40 256QAM channels
CENELEC Downstream Test channel allocation of 42 TV carriers defined by

CENELEC standardization group
EUROPE Downstream Test channel allocation applicable to European cable

operators
NTSC77 Downstream Test channel allocation of 77 TV carriers and 30 FM

carriers defined by the NTSC standardization group

Upstream
NTSC110 Downstream Test channel allocation of 110 TV carriers and 30 FM

carriers defined by the NTSC standardization group
NTSC129 Downstream Test channel allocation of 129 TV carriers applicable to US

cable operators
U04X16QM Upstream 4 16QAM channels, 1 FSK (LES / SET Top Box)
U04XQPSK Upstream 4 QPSK channels, 1 FSK (LES / SET Top Box)
U20X16Q2 Upstream 20 16QAM channels, DVB Cable Modem System (2MHz

bandwidth), 1 FSK (LES / SET Top Box)

bandwidth), 2 FSK (LES, SET Top Box)


Upstream

Table 1 Read Channel List Items
Select an item from the channel list and click on OK.
NOTICE SPAC remembers the channel list of a previous session. If you

open SPAC for the next session, the main screen opens
immediately.

The main screen of SPAC opens.
Figure 4 Main Window of SPAC
The SPAC window has a menu bar and tool bar at the top and a
status bar at the bottom.
To create or load several schematics into the main window, open

the File menu via the menu bar and select New or Open.

3.2 New Schematic
To create a new schematic, open the File menu in the menu bar
and select New. The following window appears:
Figure 5 Creation of a New Schematic
NOTICE The Schematic window contains a title window to enter

comments concerning a calculation. The Schematic window also
displays the modules representing the components (optical
transmitters, amplifiers, etc.) selected for the calculation.
Commands concerning a schematic can be executed via the File

Menu. Use the Add menu to add modules to the schematic. Use
the Edit menu to change modules.

A CATV system typically has modules in the following order:
- Coaxial (cascaded) Amplifiers (AMP) which may be Equalizer
Preamplifiers (EPA), Load Controlled Amplifiers (LCA) or any
other coaxial amplifiers, an optical transmitter (OTX), a mixture
of (i.e. cascaded optical amplifiers and fiber line)
optical loss which may be a fiber line, a splitter, a

combination of both or a tap
an optical analog amplifier (OAA)
optical loss which may be a fiber line, a splitter or
both
-
- an optical receiver (ORX), coaxial loss related to the access

network or line extenders.
Select the modules in the order in which the system is to be

planned.
3.3 Existing Schematic
To load an existing schematic in the library, open the File menu

in the menu bar and select Open.
Figure 7 Load an existing Schematic

4 Main Window of SPAC
4.1 Overview
A calculation is always carried out for a specific service which can

be selected via the Channels Menu. A calculation is
automatically performed by the SPAC after changing module data,
changing the active library or selecting the command Calculate!.
CSO, CTB and MER calculation is only possible when the IM

simulator is activated.
Readonly libraries or individual modules can be created in user

libraries to carry out calculations.
When a new schematic is opened, SPAC automatically loads the

default source module. The default source module determines the
actual library. Change the default source by saving a source
module to the SPAC directory. Also refer to Edit Source.
To carry out a subjective picture quality assessment, run the

SPQA tool by selecting SPQA! from the main menu.
The Options menu enables switching to Expert mode and

executing other functions.
For more information, refer to:

- Working with Libraries
- Modifying Modules
- Creating User Libraries
- Using the IM Simulator
- Subjective Picture Quality Assessment

4.2 Tool Bar
The tool bar at the top of the SPAC window provides some
commands from the File, Add and Edit menus:
File: New.
File: Open.
File: Save As.
File: Print Overview.
A list box for displaying and selecting the

active library.
A text field for displaying either the

bandwidth to which all CNR values are
CNRBw: 4.00 MHz related to or a warning if the calculated
data is not updated.
Cut Module.
Add: ORX (Optical Receiver).
Add: OAA (Optical Analog Amplifier).
Add: OTX (Optical Transmitter).
Add: AMP (Electrical Signal

Amplifier).

Add: LCA (Load Controlled Amplifier,
electrical).
Add: OptLoss (Splitter or Fiber).
Add: OptInsert
Add: CoaxLoss (Coaxial Line).
Add: Combiner
Add: RCNoise
Add: Modul list
Table 2 Tool Bar

4.3 Menu Bar
4.3.1 File
The system to be simulated is entered as a schematic. Several

schematics can be displayed at a time. The File menu includes the
following commands with which to manipulate the schematics:
New Starts a new schematic.
Open... Loads a schematic from disk.
Title... Activates the title window of the active schematic. If a mouse is

connected, simply click in the title window. This window can be
used to enter comments which are subsequently printed out when
printing the calculated schematic.
Library... Selects a library with a channel allocation. If a mouse is

connected, simply click on the list box in the tool bar.
Save, Save As... Saves the active schematic to disk.
Print Overview Prints out the active schematic as a short overview, corresponding
to the display.
Print Details Prints the active schematic in detail.
Print Setup... Configures the printer.
Close Closes the active schematic.
Exit Exits the program.
filename.SCM Loads the schematic last used from disk.

filename represents the file name of the schematic.

4.3.2 Channels
Read Channel List This command selects a channel list file.
Edit Channel Table This command calls in the Edit Channel Table dialog.
Service The services VSB-AM, FM, 256 QAM, 64 QAM, 16 QAM, DQPSK,
QPSK, FSK, PSK are available.
Edit Channel List This command calls in an editor to edit a channel list file. As
default, the Windows Notepad is called. A different editor can be
used by adding the corresponding entry in the SPAC.INI file in the
windows directory. (First of all, add a [moddy] section and then
add the line editor=myeditor.exe).
Always use last Select this item so that the channel list last used is called in at
channel list at startup.
startup

4.3.3 Edit
The Edit menu contains commands that enable modules to be

deleted and to change and view module parameters.
Cut module Deletes a module from the schematic. This can also be executed
by the key combination <CTRL> + <DEL>.
NOTICE If Expert mode is not active or a library model is being edited, not
all parameters can be changed. Modules which cannot be edited
are indicated by the magnifier cursor. Modules which can be
edited are indicated by the screwdriver cursor.
Edit module Edits module data of the selected module. This can also be
activated by double clicking with the left mouse button on the
module or pressing the <Return> key. For detailed information,
refer to Chapter 5.
Each module has a specific editing dialog box. These are listed
below:
- Source edits the CATV source.
- Amplifier edits a coaxial amplifier.
- Load Controlled Amplifier edits a load controlled amplifier.
- Optical Transmitter edits an optical transmitter.
- Optical Amplifier edits an optical amplifier.
- Optical Loss edits an optical link (splitter, line or tap).
- Coaxial Loss edits an electrical link.
- Optical Receiver edits an optical receiver.
- Module edits a module with fixed contributions.
- Optical Insertion edits an optical insertion module.
- Coaxial Combiner edits a coaxial combiner.
- RCNoise edits a return channel noise module.
- Module list edits a list of two combined modules.

NOTICE The following command is only available for AMP, LCA, OTX,
OAA and ORX modules.
Show contributation Displays the contribution data of the selected module. The
data contribution data can be shown with the menu command, pressing
the <Space> key or by clicking on the module with the right mouse
button.

4.3.4 Add
The Add menu can be used to add modules from a library to the
schematic. Figure 8 illustrates a module from the library.
Figure 8 Coaxial Loss Module in a Schematic
OTX ... Adds an OTX (optical transmitter) from a library to the schematic.
This command is also available as a button in the tool bar.
OAA ... Adds an OAA (optical amplifier) from a library to the schematic.
ORX ... Adds an ORX (optical receiver) from a library to the schematic.
AMP ... Adds an AMP (coaxial amplifier) from a library to the schematic.
LCA ... Adds an LCA (load controlled amplifier) from a library to the
schematic. This command is also available as a button in the tool
bar.
OptLoss Adds an optical link or loss into the schematic. This command is
also available as a button in the tool bar.
OptInser Adds an optical insertion to the schematic. This command is also

available as a button in the tool bar.
CoaxLoss ... Adds a coaxial link or loss to the schematic. This command is also
Combiner Adds a coaxial combiner to the schematic. This command is also


Adds a RCNoise (return channel noise) module to the schematic.
RCNoice This command is also available in the tool bar.
MODULE Adds a module with contributions which the user can individually
define to the schematic.
ModuleList Adds a module list which consists of two combined modules.
Create module Creates a user defined module (only available in Expert mode).
Use the command sequence Create module" Load..." to load
any user defined module from disk.
4.3.5 Calculate!
Calculates the active schematic.
4.3.6 Window
This menu is for titling, cascading, arranging, closing and selecting

the schematic windows.
Title Displays the open schematics in columns.
Cascade Displays the open schematics overlapping each other.
Arrange Icons Places the schematic icons at the bottom left of the main SPAC
window.
Close All Closes all open schematic files.
<schematic> Displays the names of the opened schematics.

4.3.7 Info
Displays information concerning SPAC and is symbolized by a

graphical symbol which appears beneath.
4.3.8 Options
Fonts This option can be used to select the title and module font for the
schematics. The font is also used in the print out.
Schematic This option can be used to select the number of columns used in
the schematics.
Expert Mode This option can be used to toggle between Expert mode and
Normal mode.
Bar Sizes This option can be used to vary the size of the tool bar and status
bar.
Picture This option can be used to load any bitmap file from the disk to the
background of the SPAC window.
4.3.9 IM Simulator
This menu item can be used to enable and disable the IM

simulator (Intermodulation simulator).

4.3.10 SPQA!
Select this menu to run the SPQA tool. A subjective picture quality
assessment appears (see Figure ).
Figure 9 SPQA Picture
In order to run the SPQA! simulation, select modulated carriers

from the Edit Channel Table window (see Chapter 6.4).

4.4 Status Bar
The status bar at the bottom of the SPAC window displays the
selected service, current channel allocation, presence of
modulated AM carriers, a short help text and, if used, the version
of the selected readonly library (see Figure ).
Figure 10 Statusbar

5 Edit Module Dialog Boxes
To edit module data, click twice on a selected module or carry out

the following steps to call in the module dialog boxes described in
the following chapters:
1 Select the module in a schematic to be edited.
2 Select Edit Module from the SPAC Edit menu. The

corresponding dialog box opens.
5.1 Source
Figure 11 Edit Source Dialog Box
The Source module represents the upstream or downstream

source of the CATV.

Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the SOURCE
module from or to the disk respectively. Use OK to terminate
editing. Use the Cancel button to terminate editing without
affecting any changes to the module. The default values for the
source are changed if the module is saved in the SPAC directory.
The SOURCE module is specified with the following parameters.
None of the parameters are servicerelated, meaning they are
related to the nonlowered carrier level.
source name The name of the source can be freely defined.
contributions The CNR, CSO and CTB of the source.
output level The output level of the source.
equivalent channels The equivalent channel number of the source. This parameter is
completed during simulation and cannot be edited.
rules This function determines how SPAC adds IM contributions of the

cascaded modules. The value can only be changed in Expert
mode if no library has been selected.
CNR bandwidth The bandwidth to which all CNR values in the schematic are
related to.
Service bandwidth The service or channel bandwidth.
The IM" button opens the dialog box Parameter for IM simulation
(refer to Figure 26).

This module defines the CSO CTB and CNR of the CATV signal at
Simulation behavior the beginning of the transmission system. It also defines the
channel number when no IM simulator is active.
5.2 Amplifier
Figure 12 Amplifier Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the coaxial
amplifier module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK to
terminate editing. Use the Cancel button to terminate editing
without affecting any changes to the module. The AMP module is

specified with the parameters listed below, which can only be
changed in Expert mode when no library is active. None of the
parameters are servicerelated, meaning they are related to the
nonlowered carrier level.
amp name The name of the amplifier can be freely defined.
noise figure Indicates the noise figure dependency on the optical input power.
preemphasis The preemphasis in dB for the frequency span from 47 to 862

MHz.
contributions Indicates the CSO and CTB contributions in dB at a reference

output level. These values are the maximum values in the
frequency range of the selected service. Ensure that CSO or CTB
beats are present between the band limits when changing these
values in order to prevent undefined behavior of the simulation
model.
saturation effects Indicates the saturation effects 2nd and 3rd order.
Simulation behavior The module calculates its CSO, CTB and CNR contributions
dependent on the input signal and channel allocation.

5.3 Load Controlled Amplifier (LCA)
Figure 13 LCA Dialog Box
The Load Controlled Amplifier keeps the total modulation index of

the following optical transmitter constant when changing the input
power or the equivalent channel number. This is achieved by
controlling the total load.
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the LCA
module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK to terminate editing.
Use the Cancel button to terminate editing without affecting any
changes to the module.
The LCA module is specified with the parameters listed below,

which can only be changed in Expert mode when no library is
active. When editing a library model, only the total load can be
changed. None of the parameters are servicerelated, meaning
they are related to the nonlowered carrier level.

LCA name The name of the Load Controlled Amplifier can be freely defined.
output The electrical output of the LCA. The output can be changed
indirectly by adjusting the total load. This value can be fine tuned
by pressing the <Shift> key.
total mod. index The total modulation index is determined by the following OTX.
noise figure The noise figure of the LCA.
gain Indicates the maximum gain of the LCA if the max. gain is
reached. The SPAC issues a warning to the user and calculates
the output level with the max. gain.
contributions Indicates the CSO and CTB contributions in dB at a reference

output level. These values are the maximum values in the
frequency range of the selected service. Ensure that the CSO or
CTB beats are present between these band limits when changing
these values in order to prevent undefined behavior of the
simulation model.
dependent on the input signal and channel allocation. The output
level is dependent on the total channel load.

5.4 Optical Transmitter (OTX)
Figure 14 Optical Transmitter Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the OTX
module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK button to terminate
affecting any changes. The OTX module is specified with the
parameters listed below, which can only be changed in Expert
mode when no library is active. None of the parameters are
servicerelated, meaning they are related to the nonlowered
carrier level.
otx name The name of the Optical Transmitter can be freely defined.

mod. index Indicates the channel modulation index of the laser. This index is
also calculated by the SPAC from the input level for the OTX and
a multiplication factor. Changing the channel modulation index, in
fact, changes the multiplication factor. This value can be fine
tuned by pressing the <Shift> key.
needs LCA This check box determines a mandatory LCA located in front.
total modulation The OTX is defined by its maximum total modulation index for
laser clipping; the total modulation index is calculated from the
equivalent channel number and the channel modulation index.
There are two limit values: limit1 is used at channel numbers >16,
limit 2 below or equal to 16 channels. This is due to different
calculation methods at high and low channel numbers. If one of
the limit values is set to 0, the other limit with the corresponding
calculation method is always used.
output The module output is defined by its optical wavelength and output
power. Some OTX types have adjustable output power. It can be
specified if there is an isolator or not. If an isolator is missing there
will be additional bit errors due to impulse noise. The Fiber Length
Compensation is available for some OTX types. The OTX may be
optimised with this value to compensate fiber distortion effects.
laser Indicates the Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) of the laser. The chirp
parameter describes the chirp characteristic of the optical
transmitter.
input attenuator The input attenuator adds a variable or fix loss to the electrical
input.
clipping Indicates the clipping value kclip. SPAC uses a clipping value for
a better precised calculation of the MER degradation.
contributions Indicates the CNRO and CTB contributions at a reference channel

modulation index. These values are the maximum values in the
simulation model.
The Int" button opens the dialog box for internal OTX parameters.
The LHS" button opens the dialog box Parameter for long haul
simulation.

5.5 Optical Amplifier
Figure 15 Optical Amplifier Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the OAA
changes. The OAA module is defined by the parameters listed
below, which can only be changed in Expert mode when no library
is active. None of the parameters are servicerelated, meaning
they are related to the nonlowered carrier level.

oaa name The name of the Optical Analog Amplifier can be freely defined.
output level Indicates the optical output level. This is adjustable for some OAA
types.
input level Indicates the minimum input level (for valid module parameters).
noise figure Indicates the noise figure dependency on the optical input power.
optical window Indicates the optical window in which the simulation model is valid.
contributions Indicates the CSO and CTB contributions at a reference channel

modulation index. These values are the maximum values in the
the values in order to prevent undefined behavior of the simulation
model.

5.6 Optical loss
Figure 16 Optical Loss Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the OptLoss
module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK to terminates
affecting any changes. The OptLoss module is defined by the
following parameters:

optloss name The name of your Optical Loss can be freely defined.
optloss type Selcts the type of the optloss module. Possible types are tap, X-
splitter (OSCM) or a regular splitter (OSC/ODF). The last one may
be combined with a connected fiber of configurable length. For a
pure fiber without any splitter choose the splitter value 1:1.
fiber Indicates the fiber length in km and the fiber attenuation in db/km.
splitter Select a splitter: 1:1 for none, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32. These
splitters have predefined attenuations. To use other values, define
them with add.loss.
connector Indicates the number of connectors and the connector attenuation.
add.loss Indicates the additional loss in dB.
order Indicates the position of the fiber. This is relevant for SBS.
tap attenuation Selects a tap type: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 dB attenuation. These

taps have predefined attenuations. To use other values, define
them with add.loss.
tap output Selects the used output of the tap: tap output or insertion output.
This influences the tap attenuation of the optical line.
The SPM" button opens the dialog box Parameters for SPM
simulation.
Simulation behavior This module reduces the optical power level by its insertion loss.
Long fiber effects are calculated from the input signal, fiber
characteristics, some OTX parameters, frequency range and
previous fiber lengths.

5.7 Coaxial Loss
Figure 17 Coaxial Loss Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the CoaxLoss
changes. The module is defined by its attenuation in dB.
coaxial name The name of the Coaxial Loss (coaxial access network) can be
freely defined.
splitter Select a coax splitter: 1:1 for none, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8. These splitters
have predefined attenuations. To use other values, define them
with additional loss.
additional loss Indicates an attenuation which is added to the splitter attenuation.
total coax loss Indicates the total attenuation of the module.

Simulation behavior This module simply inserts attenuation.
5.8 Optical Receiver (ORX)
Figure 18 Optical Receiver Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the ORX
changes. The ORX module is defined by the parameters listed
below, which can only be changed in Expert mode when no library
is active. When editing a library model, only the output level can

be changed. None of the parameters are servicerelated, meaning
they are related to the nonlowered carrier level. The CSO/CTB
reference values, however, are the maximum values in the
simulation model.
orx name The name of the Optical Receiver can be freely defined.
amp section This field describes the amplifier section of the ORX.
output level Indicates the electrical output level in dBmV at 862 MHz.
pilot/cw controlled The Pilot Controlled checkbox indicates that the output level is
always constant. The cw controlled checkbox indicates that the
output level is independent of the optical input level. If the ORX is
neither pilot nor cw controlled, the output is dependent on the
channel modulation index and the optical input power. If the ORX
is not pilot controlled the output power can be changed indirectly
by adjusting the gain of the amp section.
preemphasis Indicates the pre-emphasis for the frequency span from 47 .... 862
MHz in dB.
CSO Indicates the CSO contribution of the amplifier section at the

reference output level.
CTB Indicates the CTB contribution of the amplifier section at the

reference output level.
ref. Indicates the reference output level for the CSO and CTB
contributions.
limit Indicates the maximum output level of the ORX.
o/e section
This section describes the optical/electrical conversion of the

ORX.
CSO Indicates the CSO contribution of the o/e section at the reference
channel modulation index and reference input power.
CTB Indicates the CTB contribution of the o/e section at the reference
channel modulation index and reference input power.

at Indicates the reference channel modulation index for the CSO and
CTB contributions.
limit and ref. Indicates the maximum input level and reference input power for
the CSO and CTB contributions.
eff. noise current Indicates the dependency of the effective noise current on the
optical input power.
eff.res./at Indicates the effective responses in two optical windows.
The "IM" button opens the dialog box Parameter for IM simulation

5.9 Module
Figure 19 Module Dialog Box
Enter a MODULE in the Module dialog box to add a module with

fixed contributions and a fixed output level. Use the Load and
Save buttons to load or save the module from or to disk,
respectively. Use OK to terminate editing. Use the Cancel
button to terminate editing without affecting any changes. The
MODULE is specified with the following parameters. None of the
parameters are servicerelated, meaning they are related to the
nonlowered carrier level.

module name The name of the MODULE" (fixed additional contribution) can be
freely defined.
contributions Indicates the CNR, CSO and CTB as fixed contributions. These
values are the maximum values in the frequency range of the
selected service.
output level Indicates the output level as an electrical value in dBmV when
using MODULE with an electrical input signal, and as an optical
value in dBm when using MODULE with an optical input signal.
channel bandwidth Indicates the equivalent noise bandwidth to which the CNR
contribution is related.
Simulation behavior Fixed contributions for CSO, CTB and CNR are added.

5.10 Optical Insertion
Figure 20 Optical Insertion Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the Optical
Insertion module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK to
without affecting any changes. None of the parameters are
servicerelated, meaning they are related to the nonlowered
carrier level.

optical name The name of the optical insertion can be freely defined.
input insertion path The input insertion path is defined by its input level, input CNR and
insertion loss.
modulation index It is possible to define whether the modulation index should be

insertion path automatically adjusted for equal carrier levels of main and
insertion paths at the output, or freely defined.
insertion loss main It is possible to define whether the insertion loss of the main path
path should be automatically adjusted complementary to the insertion
path, or freely defined.
Simulation behavior This module is for the insertion of a second optical signal path.
Only CNR is considered. The new modulation index at the output
is calculated.

5.11 Coaxial Combiner
Figure 21 Coaxial Combiner Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save the Combiner
Use the Cancel to terminate editing without affecting any
changes. The module is defined by its concentration factor. The
corresponding insertion loss is displayed.

combiner name The name of the Coaxial Loss (coaxial access network) can be
freely defined.
concentration factor This can be changed in steps of 2n.
min. insertion loss This value indicates the insertion loss of the combiner itself. It may
be different from the modules attenuation in automatic attenuation
mode.
no input loss Indicates a combiner with no insertion loss.
multiply carrier The number of carriers (channels) is multiplied by the number of

inputs.
auto attenuation The attenuation is adapted to keep the total load constant when
the channel number is changed. (The attenuation cannot be lower
than the minimum insertion loss.)
define eq. Number In this mode, the number of channels at the output can be
(of channels at overwritten.
output)
Simulation behavior The combiner reduces the CNR by 3xn dB at a concentration

factor of 2^n. This is due to addition of several input noise signals.
CSO and CTB are left unchanged.

5.12 Return Channel Noise
Figure 22 Return Channel Noise Dialog Box
Use the Load and Save buttons to load or save your Return
Channel Noise module from or to disk, respectively. Use OK to
without affecting any changes.

RCNoise name The name of the RCNoise module (coaxial access network) can
be freely defined.
homes passed Indicates the number of passed homes (coax cell size).
radio background Indicates the parameters that define radio background noise; they
noise per home can only be changed in Expert mode.
ingress noise Changing these parameters is only possible in Expert mode.

Ingress noise is simulated either with a reference network or
measured network. In case of a reference network, ingress noise
is described by means of three parameters. In case of a measured
network, it is defined as a list of interferers. A list of interferers can
be loaded from an ING-file via the "Load" button.
impulse noise This threshold indicates a maximum impulse noise amplitude for a
amplitude threshold maximum BER at the output of the last module in the schematic. If
the schematic is not calculated (after changing some module data)
or the maximum BER is lower than the BER after the last module,
the threshold is displayed. The input for a max. BER can only be
entered in Expert mode.
Simulation behavior The combiner reduces the CNR due to addition of several input
noise signals. CSO and CTB are left unchanged.

5.13 Module list
Module lists handle two combined modules like a single module.

There are three predefined modul lists offered:
an OTX combined with a LCA to represent an OTXE090
a double stage amplifier
a combiner with an amplifier to represent an UCC
Figure 23 Available module lists
A double click on a module list opens a dialog where the two

underlying modules are visible.

Figure 24 Opened module list
The two underlying modules can be treated separately like

explained before, e.g. opened with a click.
A double click in the dark grey area closes the module list and
shows the combined module like before.
A right mouse click in the dark grey area opens a dialog which
allows to save the module list.

6 Procedures
6.1 Working with Libraries
This is the normal use for SPAC. A library contains simulation

models for optical transmitters, optical receivers, optical amplifiers
and coaxial amplifiers. There are readonly libraries (with the
extension .dll) which are delivered with SPAC, and user libraries
(extension .lib) which can be created by the user. Select a library
by using the list box in the tool bar. If a library is selected in the
tool bar (user or readonly, refer to Section 4.2), no editing of
module data is possible (except SOURCE, OptLoss, OptInsert,
CoaxLoss, Combiner, RCNoise and MODULE which cannot have
library models, and the output level of the ORX). A readonly
library is indicated in a schematic by a special icon and the library
name is displayed in the Edit Dialog Box as well as in the print out.
Detailed information concerning the simulation models in the

readonly libraries is available by clicking on the right mouse
button in the title bar of a library model. This information can also
be called in by clicking on the Info button from Load in the Library
dialog box. This dialog box is opened after adding a module from a
readonly library.
6.2 Modifying Modules
Library models can only be modified in Expert mode. The library

must then be disabled by selecting [.] from the library list box in the
tool bar. The module data can then be changed using the Edit
module in the Edit menu.
Expert mode can also be used to create userdefined modules

(refer to Section 4.3.4 ). If a library is selected and SPAC
calculates the schematic, SPAC always tries to use a library model
instead of a user created module. To prevent SPAC from replacing
userdefined models with library models, disable the library by
selecting the sign [.] in the library list box in the tool bar. Replacing
with a library model occurs when the same library names are
used. The library name is the file name given to the library model
when it was saved to disk.

6.3 Creating User Libraries
NOTICE This function is only available in Expert mode.
To create a user library, create a directory with the extension .lib in

your SPAC directory (e.g. using the with Windows File Manager).
After saving a module in such a directory (refer to Section 5.1), a
model is created in the user library. A default source module must
always be saved in a user library. This default source determines
the regulation parameters of the CATV source when using the
library.
6.4 Edit Channel Table
Select the Edit Channel Table... from the Channels menu to

open the Channel Types window illustrated in the figure below.

Figure 25 Channel Type List
This dialog is used for enabling and disabling single services of

the actual channel table. The back off level of each channel type
can be edited. This concerns the amount which a specific service
level is lowered. The default values are read from the channel list
file.
modulated carriers must be selected in order to run SPQA!

Simulation (refer to Chapter 4.3.10) .
Select the button of a channel type in the Channel Types

window to open the Edit Channel Table window, illustrated in the
following figure.

Figure 26 Edit Channel Table
This dialog is used to enable or disable single channels of a

service. The sound carriers of TV channels can be enabled or
disabled using the checkbox enable sound carriers. The channel
bandwidth edit field displays the default bandwidth read from the
channel list file for this service. It can be overwritten.
NOTICE The letters in the channel table depend on the service operator
and country. The letter required can be selected by the user from
the channel list file.

6.5 Channel List File
A channel list file is a file with the extension *.lst. It is used to

define the channel allocation. The channel list file can be edited
with a standard text editor. When the command Edit Channel List
is entered in the Channels Menu, Windows Notepad (or another
editor defined) is opened in which to edit a channel list file. If
Windows 95 is used, the file type *.lst must be registered.
Otherwise, NOTEPAD cannot be used to edit and save new
channellist files.
The channel allocation is defined in the following form:

1. Add a [channels] section into the file. The following are
supported:
[VSBAM] for VSBAM (video) channels
[FM] for FM (audio) channels
[256QAM] for 256QAM channels
[16QAM] for 16 QAM channels
[8QAM] for 8 QAM channels
[DQPSK] for DQPSK channels
[QPSK] for QPSK channels
[FSK] for FSK channels
[PSK] for PSK channels

Add a line in the following format to add a channel or
carrier:
name = cf,lr,ds,rs
with
name = name of channel which is displayed in the

Edit Channel Table dialog.
cf = frequency of video carrier in MHz

(frequencies have to be entered in steps
of 50 kHz)
lr = level reduction of video carrier in dB

relative to service backoff
ds = distance of sound carrier to video carrier

in MHz
rs = level reduction of sound carrier in dB

relative to video carrier.
If the last items of a line are omitted, the simulator

assumes the default values. These are 0 dB for level
reductions and no sound carrier.
2. Add a [REF] section.
In order to define a level backoff for each service (e.g.

64 QAM channels are normally reduced by 10 dB
against analog video carriers), add an entry in the
following form:
[REF]
FM=4
64QAM=10

NOTICE It is important to set the references to proper values, because
the simulated CNR, CSO, CTB, MER and BER are always
related to the level backoff of the selected service !
3. To specify other channel bandwidths as the integrated default

values, add a [BANDWIDTHS] section containing entries for each
service bandwidth. The example below illustrates this:
[BANDWIDTHS]
VSBAM=4e6
The default values relate to VSBAM 5 MHz, FM 150
kHz, 16QAM 3,2 MHz, 64QAM 8 MHz, DQPSK 2,25
MHz, QPSK 3,2 MHz, FSK and PSK 300 kHz
Sample with 2 TV channels ( K2 and K4) but no level
reduction, sound carrier at 5.5 MHz above with 13 dB
level reduction, FM channels with 4 dB level reduction,
QAM channels with 10 dB level reduction.
4. Sample channel list file
Sample with 2 TV channels ( K2 and K4) with no level

reduction, sound carrier at 5.5 MHz above with 13 dB
level reduction, FM channels with 4 dB level reduction,
QAM channels with 10 dB level reduction.
[REF]
FM=4
64QAM=10
[VSB-AM]
K2=48.25,0,5.5,13
K4=62.25,0,5.5,13
.
.
[FM]
U1=87.55
U2=87.85
.
.
[64QAM]
K38=610.00
K39=618.00

7 IM Simulator
7.1 Using the IM Simulator
After activating the IM simulator in the IM Simulator menu, the

CSO, CTB and MER contributions are calculated and displayed in
the schematic.
The simulator is initialized when the SPAC is started up. The

simulator requests a channel allocation through the Read Channel
List dialog. After selecting a channel list, the simulator completes
its initialization. For an automatic initialization at startup with the
last used channel list file, select Always use last channel list at
startup from the Channels Menu. The following icon appears for
the IM Simulator:
Figure 27 IM Simulator Icon
The IM spectrum at the output of the last module is displayed in

the IM simulator window (to display the simulator window press
<Alt>+<TAB> or use the IM Simulator menu in the main menu of
SPAC). To show the contributions of a single module, simply
select the IM button in the modules edit dialog.
Use the vertical and horizontal scroll bars in the simulator window
to scroll through it. To scroll vertically, use the <PageUp> and
<PageDown> keys. No scrolling is possible when the spectrum is
displayed at full scale.
Information on the current marker position is displayed below the

simulator window:
CSO/CTB Indicates the CSO or CTB at the marker position.
TOT Indicates the sum of the CSO and CTB at the marker position.

CSO count/CTB Indicates the number of equivalent CSO or CTB beats at the
count marker position.
To change the marker position, enter a frequency in the edit

control, click on the scroll bar below the edit control or simply use
the <left> and <right> arrow keys. If the marker position is in the
frequency range displayed, the marker is displayed in the
spectrum.
Figure 28 IM Simulator Window

7.2 IM Calculating Options
The Calculating Options dialog box can be used to change the

band limits and upper calculation limit. Select the Calculate...
menu in the IM Simulator window. The following window opens.
Figure 29 Calculating Option IM Button
NOTICE The simulator determines the band limits from the first and last
channel defined in the channel list file (not the channel table)
related to the selected service.
The band limits are used to find the maximum CSO and CTB
values which are written back to the SPAC schematic.
The upper calculation limit is the frequency value up to which the

calculation is performed. The value can be reduced to minimize
simulation time. This value cannot be set to a value lower than the
upper band limit.
If enable monitoring is selected, a frequency can be entered at

which the generation of beats is monitored in the console (the

frequencies of the carriers which generate a beat at this frequency
are displayed).
7.3 Calculation Test
To start the calculation test and edit parameters for IM Simulation,

select the Test... menu in the IM Simulation window.
Figure 30 Calculation Test
This dialog is simply for testing the IM simulator. A normalized

spectrum is displayed with an offset and slope specified by the
values defined by Offset and Slope. By clicking the Add
button, several contributions can be added using the addition rules
defined by Add.law.

7.4 IM Print Options
Figure 31 IM Print Options
The Print Options dialog can be used to print out either the
channel table or the IM spectrum. It is also possible to enter a
comment as a header for the spectrum printout and the page
number.

8 Menu Control in IM Simulator
8.1 x Scaling
This menu item is used to change the scaling factor of the

frequency axis. Scaling can also be modified by using the <+> and
<-> keys in the numeric block of the keyboard.
8.2 y Scaling
This menu item is used to change the scaling factor of the yaxis.
8.3 Display
Carriers Select this item to display the carriers.
Total Select this item to display the total IM contributions.
CSO Select this item to display the CSO.
CTB Select this item to display the CTB.
SPM Select this item to display the SPM.
CSO peak Select this item to change the marker position to the maximum
CSO value.
CTB peak Select this item to change the marker position to the maximum
CTB value.

8.4 Calculate
This command opens the Calculating Options dialog box.
8.5 Test
This command opens the Calculation Test dialog box.
8.6 Print
This command opens the Print Options dialog box.
9 Console for Monitoring
The Console Program is part of the IM simulator. After selecting

the option enable monitoring in the Calculating Options dialog
box (refer to Chapter 7.2), the generation of beats is monitored
here. The Console menu control is illustrated in the figure below.
Figure 32 Console Menu Control

9.1 Clear
Clears the monitoring point from the buffer.
9.2 Buffer
Select between two options:
No limits The number of entries is limited to 20,000.
Limited The last 20 entries are listed.
9.3 Position
Select the position of the console (always on top or not).

10 Appendix
10.1 Create a Sample Schematic
- Create a new schematic with the command New in the File

menu. See chapter 3.2.
1. Set the desired channel list and the correct service which shall
be calculated.
2. Select the modules in the order in which the system is to be

planned.
3. Edit the modules and enter the values of each module in the
corresponding dialog box (see Chapter 5). Changements in
optloss and coaxloss modules force a calculation start
immediately. Dont worry if the calculation aborts because of
missing channel definition, this is done within the next steps.
A sample of a CATV distribution system with an active library is

provided below.
Note the text in the tool bar: DATA NOT VALID!

Figure 33 Sample CATV Distribution System Without Calculated CSO and CTB Values
4. Select the command IM Simulator enabled from the menu IM

Simulator.
5. Select the Edit Channel Table... from the Channels menu to

open the Channel Types window.
6. Select the button of a channel type in the Channel Types

window to open the Edit Channel Table window. The Edit
Channel List appears.

Figure 34 Edit Channel List
7. Enable or disable the channels and sound carriers and click OK.
The calculation options are performed.

Figure 35 Schematic With Calculated Contributions
8. Change to the main SPAC program and click on Calculate.

The CSO and CTB values appear in the schematic.
9. Press the <Alt>+<TAB> keys to open the IM Simulator

window. The spectrum complies to the last module or the
schematic.

The following figure illustrates the spectrum with the complete
intermodulation product.
Figure 36 Simulated Sample Spectrum
There are several representations of the calculated spectrum to

select from.
It is possible to zoom, select the CSO, CTB, sum of

intermodulations or any combination of them.

10.2 Warnings and Error Messages
Channel Table No service defined! Calculation is aborted

An empty or invalid channel list file has been loaded or all the
services have been disabled. At least one service must be
enabled.
Data not valid Schematic has to be calculated !

Only calculated schematics can be saved or printed.
IM Simulator TOO MUCH CHANNELS DEFINED IN LISTFILE! only 250

[filename] channels are used.
A maximum of 250 channels can be used per service and 500
carriers in total. Carriers above this limit are ignored.
Interferer List Error too much interferers defined ! only 255 interferers are used
A maximum of 255 interferers can be defined in the ingress list file.
Entries exceeding this number are ignored.
Interferer List Error too much or too long interferer names in ing-file!
Reduce the interferer names or the number of interferers.
Load data invalid data file

This message appears when loading an incompatible data file.
Load data no such module in library

Corrupt library.
Load library library not found or invalid data

Corrupt library.
LCA (# nn) GAIN LIMIT REACHED

The LCA is at its gain limit.

OAA (# nn) INPUT LEVEL TOO LOW !
The input level is too low for the OAA. The calculation is aborted.
OptLoss (# nn) Input level exceeds Brillouin threshold!

Calculation is aborted
The input level in the fiber is too high. The calculation is aborted.
ORX (# nn) INPUT OVERLOAD ! Calculation is aborted

The input level is too high for the ORX. The calculation is aborted.
ORX (# nn) OUTPUT LEVEL TOO HIGH ! Calculation is aborted

The output level is too high. The calculation is aborted.
OTX (# nn) CLIPPING ! Calculation is aborted

The OTX is within its clipping region. The calculation is aborted.
OTX (# nn) This OTX can not be used without LCA in front !
An LCA must be used in front of this module.
Out of band limits ! Actual library supports channels between ... and ... MHz, the
calculation is aborted
This happens when the band limits of a read-only library are
exceeded. In this case, disable the highest and/or lowest channels
in the channel table or change the frequencies in the channel list
file.
Subjective Picture IM Simulator not enabled !

Quality Assessment Only start the SPQA tool within SPAC when the IM Simulator is
enabled.
Subjective Picture This service has no analog video !

Quality Assessment Only start the SPQA tool within SPAC when the selected service
has analog video channels.

Subjective Picture Video carriers are not modulated !
Quality Assessment Only start the SPQA tool within SPAC when the analog video
channels of the selected service are modulated.
Unsupported Color Please change your display properties to TrueColor

Resolution resolution (at least 24 bit or 16,777,216 colors)
This message appears when an attempt is made to use the SPQA
tool at low color resolutions. Only TrueColor with 24 or 32 bit are
supported. For details, please refer to your WINDOWS manual.
Warning ! Module data will be overwritten with library data

This warning appears when selecting a library after deselecting a
library whereby the SPAC tries to replace the user defined
modules with library models. Select Cancel to abort or OK to
accept.
... (# nn) INPUT SIGNAL OUT OF OPTICAL WINDOW

The input signal has the wrong optical wavelength for this module.
Select Cancel to abort the calculation.
... (# nn) NO LIBRARY MODEL

This message appears after selecting a library and the schematic
contains a module that the SPAC cannot replace by a library
model.
... (# nn) Module contains incompatible data!

Create new library model or use actual library
This message appears when using a module created with an older
SPAC version. Create a new model or save the schematic to disk
after updating it with the latest read-only library.
... (# nn) Module can not be used at this position ! Calculation is

aborted
This message indicates a misplaced module, that is when using
modules with optical inputs after modules with electrical outputs or
modules with electrical inputs after modules with optical outputs.

... (# nn) NO CHANNELS DEFINED !
At least one channel must be defined, otherwise the calculation is
aborted.
... (# nn) Subjective Picture Quality Assessment not possible with this
module at last position !
The SPQA tool cannot be started with this module at the last
position. Delete this module from the current schematic.
...... NO DEFAULT SOURCE FOUND

This message appears when the user library or SPAC directory
contains no *.src file. Save a Source module in this directory.

10.3 List of Abbreviations
A AMP Amplifier, coaxial
AM Amplitude Modulation
B BER Bit Error Rate
C CATV Community Antenna for Television
CENELEC Comit Europen de Normalisation

Electrotechnique
CNR , C/N Carrier to Noise Ratio
CRX Compact BONT
CSO Composite Second Order
CTB Composite Triple Beat
CW Continous Wave
E ENC Effective Noise Current
EPA Equalizer Preamplifier
EPA800 Equalizer Preamplifier (800 MHz)
F FM Frequency Modulation
FSK Frequency Shift Keying
H HFC Hybrid Fiber Coax
I IM Intermodulation
L LCA Load Controlled Amplifier
LHS Long Haul Simulation
M MER Modulation Error Ratio
MS-DOS Microsoft Disc Operating System
O OAA Optical Analog Amplifier
OAH Optical Analog Amplifier High Power

OAAS Optical Analog Amplifier Standard
OTXD Optical Transmitter Direct Modulated
OTXE Optical Transmitter External Modulated
P PC Personal Computer
PM Phase Modulation
PSK Phase Shift Keying
Q QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
R RCN Return Channel Noise
RF Radio Frequency
RIN Relative Intensity Noise
RBS Rayleigh Back-Scattering
S SBS Stimulated Brilloin Backscattering
SPAC System Performance Analysis for CATV

System
SPQA Subjective Picture Quality Assessment
SQR Square Root
T TV Television
V VGA Video Graphics Adapter
VSB Vestigial Side Band

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Operating Instructions

CATV Distribution System

Copyright BKtel systems, 2004 - All rights reserved

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 - May 2004

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 2

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 3

1.1 This Manual

Chapter 1 provides an introduction and important advice for using

Chapter 2 describes the installation of the software SPAC (System

Chapter 3 describes how to start a new schematic and an existing

Chapter 5 describes the dialog boxes for editing the modules.

Chapter 6 describes some SPAC procedures.

Chapter 7 describes the IM (Intermodulation) simulator.

Chapter 8 describes the menus of the IM simulator.

Chapter 9 describes the console for monitoring at a specified

Chapter 10 is the Appendix and describes a sample schematic.

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 4

SPAC is a PCbased simulation tool for evaluating the

analog CATV transmission systems and their return channels.

The SPQA tool is used for the subjective assessment of picture

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 5

Basically, SPAC has been designed for calculation of the

In order to calculate the carriertonoise (C/N), the

The C/N is calculated in the high frequency (RF) domain. It is

The second and third order nonlinearity determines the entire

To carry out the CSO/CTB calculations, the channel allocation

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 6

During the second run, the number of intermodulation beats is

1.2.3 New features

Support of QAM128, QAM32 and QAM8 upstream services.

Support of the new OTXD module with additional features:

Support of the new OAH module with additional feature:

Finetuned calculation of fiber effects in operation with OTX.

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 7

1.2.4.1 Optical Transmitters

The SPAC knows the amount of CSO/CTB to be created in optical

1.2.4.2 Optical Amplifiers

Optical amplifiers have a negligible CSO/CTB contribution. In spite

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 8

Fiber effects arising in long optical feeders, such as fiber intensity

1.2.4.4 Optical Receivers

The CSO/CTB is calculated as a function of the optical input light

1.2.4.5 Coaxial Amplifiers

1.2.4.6 General prerequisites

- The output power levels of the optical amplifiers do not exceed

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 9

1.2.5.1 Influence of the Frequency Response on the System Parameters

Apart from the preemphased outputs of the optical receivers and

If a carrier is down (e.g. 1 dB related to the nominal value) all three

Assuming a rippleless, steadily frequency response, the accuracy

1.2.5.2 Addition Rules Used for SPAC Simulations

For calculations between the transmission blocks, SPAC uses:

The 12 log and 15 log can be changed in Expert Mode.

The phase relationship between the individual transmission blocks

The individual IM beats within the transmission blocks themselves

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 10

1.2.6 BER Calculation

Today, many of the services offered by an HFC platform are

1.2.7 Unmodulated and Modulated AMTV Carriers

The system parameters CSO/CTB and C/N can be defined to

The intermodulation and noise floor are always measured as

SPAC Operating Instructions - Edition 8 May 2004 11

The system parameters CSO/CTB and C/N can be defined to